Elbow Pain Treatment in Melbourne
Drug-free elbow pain care in Melbourne, FL — tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and overuse tendon pain treated with chiropractic care and Shockwave Therapy.
Chiropractic care for elbow pain
Get to the root of your elbow pain
Also known as: Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, Lateral Epicondylitis
If a nagging ache on the outside or inside of your elbow is making it hard to grip a racket, swing a club, type at a keyboard, or even lift a coffee cup, you're likely dealing with a tendinopathy — and you don't have to push through it or mask it with anti-inflammatories. At CARE Natural Wellness Center, Dr. Rachael Callaway looks at the full elbow-wrist-neck chain to find what's driving your pain and builds a drug-free plan — which may include Shockwave Therapy — for patients in Melbourne and across Brevard County.
Symptoms of elbow pain
- ✓Aching or burning pain on the outer or inner elbow
- ✓Weak, painful grip when shaking hands or opening jars
- ✓Pain when lifting, gripping, or extending the wrist
- ✓Tenderness directly over the bony bump on the elbow
- ✓Stiffness first thing in the morning or after rest
- ✓Pain that travels into the forearm during activity
Common causes
- Repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions at work or sport
- Sudden increase in activity volume or intensity (overuse)
- Poor wrist or elbow mechanics during exercise or manual work
- Restricted joints in the elbow, wrist, or cervical spine
- Desk work with prolonged forearm pronation and wrist extension
- Inadequate recovery between repetitive tasks
- Previous elbow sprains or unresolved soft-tissue injuries
Our approach
How we treat elbow pain in Melbourne
- Step 1
Thorough exam
We assess elbow mechanics, grip strength, and the full arm-wrist-neck chain to identify restricted joints, tight tissue, and movement patterns driving your tendinopathy — and refer for imaging only when it will change your care.
- Step 2
A clear, personalized plan
You learn what we found and why your elbow hurts, with a written report of findings and specific recommendations — not open-ended treatment with no finish line.
- Step 3
Soft tissue, adjustments & Shockwave
We combine hands-on soft-tissue techniques, targeted adjustments to the elbow and wrist, and Shockwave Therapy for stubborn tendon pain, plus home-care advice to protect the tendon.
The basics
Understanding elbow pain
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are the two most common forms of elbow tendinopathy. Despite their sport names, most people who develop these conditions have never picked up a racket or a club — they develop from any repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist-loading activity that overloads the tendon where it attaches to the bony prominence on the outside or inside of the elbow. Repetitive strain causes micro-tears in the tendon tissue that accumulate faster than the body can repair them, eventually producing chronic pain, weakness, and stiffness. The mechanics of the wrist, shoulder, and cervical spine also contribute — a restricted neck joint or tight forearm muscle can alter load distribution and make the elbow a weak link.
The good news is that elbow tendinopathy is often a good fit for a conservative, drug-free approach that combines soft-tissue work, joint adjustments along the elbow-wrist-neck chain, and sensible home exercise. Tennis and golfer's elbow are also among the conditions our chiropractors treat with Shockwave Therapy, which uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body's healing response in stubborn tendon tissue. A thorough exam helps us understand which structures are involved and build a plan for the pattern driving your pain.
Certificate to Health
New Patient Special
Find out what's causing your pain and how we can help. An initial chiropractic evaluation for $60, which covers your consultation, exam and report of findings.
Certificate good only for first time patients who are residents of Brevard County, and does not apply to workers comp or accident cases. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS USE BY MEDICARE. ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE AT ESTABLISHED PRICES. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
Types of elbow pain we treat
Elbow pain has more causes than most people expect, and the right care depends on which structures are involved. We regularly help patients in Melbourne and the surrounding Space Coast with:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — the most common form, producing pain on the outer elbow from overloaded extensor tendons. Affects desk workers, tradespeople, and athletes alike, and is one of the conditions we treat with Shockwave Therapy. Closely related to arm pain that travels down the forearm.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) — inner-elbow tendinopathy from repetitive wrist flexion and gripping, seen in golfers, throwers, and manual workers; also a common Shockwave Therapy condition.
- Overuse tendinopathy — chronic elbow pain from cumulative repetitive strain without a single injury event. See our overuse injuries page for the broader picture.
- Elbow joint restriction — reduced range of motion from joint or capsular tightness, often addressed with targeted adjustments.
- Nerve referral from the neck — the cervical spine can refer pain, tingling, or weakness into the elbow and forearm; we always screen for this. Related: shoulder pain and carpal tunnel can overlap with elbow complaints and are often addressed together.
Your exam tells us which pattern applies to you, so your plan is built for your elbow — not a generic protocol.
When to see a chiropractor in Melbourne
Elbow pain often lingers if the underlying mechanics aren’t addressed. Request an exam if you notice:
- Pain on the outer or inner elbow that has lasted more than two to three weeks
- Weakness or pain when gripping, lifting, or opening containers
- Forearm aching that follows you from work into the evening
- Elbow pain that returned after a rest period as soon as you resumed activity
- Numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand alongside the elbow pain
- Elbow pain after a sports injury, fall, or sudden forceful grip
If you have sudden, severe swelling, obvious deformity, or elbow pain with significant weakness or numbness in the hand after trauma, seek urgent evaluation — these may indicate a fracture or ligament rupture that needs imaging and possible specialist care. For chronic and overuse-related elbow pain, we’re here to help.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first visit focuses on understanding your elbow before any treatment.
- Listen to your story — when the pain started, what activities provoke it, and how it’s affecting your work, sport, or daily routine.
- Examine thoroughly — grip strength testing, provocative orthopedic tests for lateral and medial epicondylitis, range-of-motion assessment, and a screen of the wrist and cervical spine to catch any contributing factors up the chain.
- Explain what we found — in plain English, with a written report of findings and honest recommendations.
- Start care when you’re ready — once you understand the plan, we schedule your treatment visits.
You’re never locked into open-ended treatment — just a clear plan you understand.
Drug-free elbow pain relief — without medication or surgery
Cortisone injections can quiet elbow tendinopathy temporarily, but the pain often returns because the tendon tissue hasn’t actually healed. Surgery is generally reserved for the small minority of cases that don’t improve with conservative care. Chiropractic offers a more direct path: soft-tissue techniques to address tight, restricted tissue, joint adjustments to restore mechanics along the elbow-wrist-neck chain, and Shockwave Therapy to stimulate the healing response in stubborn tendons. Dr. Brian Walsh is also certified in Graston Technique®, an instrument-assisted soft-tissue method — ask our office whether it’s a fit for you. And if your exam ever shows you need imaging or specialist evaluation, we’ll tell you honestly and help coordinate that care. Individual results may vary.
Elbow pain care at CARE Natural Wellness Center
At CARE Natural Wellness Center, serving Melbourne and the rest of Brevard County, we look at the whole picture — not just the elbow. Dr. Rachael Callaway combines hands-on soft-tissue techniques including Shockwave Therapy, targeted chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy into one coordinated plan that addresses the mechanics driving your tendinopathy, not just the pain it’s producing.
Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a tradesperson dealing with repetitive strain, or an office worker whose elbow started aching months ago, you deserve a plan built around your elbow. Our New Patient Special makes your first visit easy, and you can request an appointment online — our office will contact you to confirm a time.
Why choose chiropractic
Chiropractic care vs. the typical elbow-pain routine
| Comparison factor | Chiropractic Care | Pain Meds & Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses the root cause | ✓Works on mechanics & tendon loading | ✕Masks the symptoms |
| Drug-free & non-invasive | ✓Always | ✕Rarely |
| Risk of side effects | ✓Minimal | ✕Higher (meds, injections, surgery) |
| Personalized to you | ✓Custom care plan | ✕One-size-fits-all |
| Options for stubborn tendon pain | ✓Shockwave Therapy available | ✕Injections or surgery |
| Typical recovery | ✓Active & progressive | ✕Often lengthy or recurring |
Treatment options
Services we use to relieve elbow pain
Chiropractic Care
Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments in Melbourne, FL that restore motion to restricted joints and help ease back pain, neck pain, and headaches at the source.
Learn more →Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage in Melbourne, FL relaxes tight muscles, supports circulation, and complements chiropractic care for neck pain, whiplash, and tension headaches.
Learn more →Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic Shockwave Therapy in Melbourne, FL helps restart the body’s healing response for stubborn tendon problems like plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.
Learn more →Related conditions
Other conditions we treat in Melbourne
Patient reviews
What our Melbourne patients say
“Dr Walsh is amazing! The staff is amazing as well.”
“Dr. Brian Walsh and his caring office staff have been serving me for almost 30 years now. His chiropractic skills and Nutritional Response Testing have helped me tremendously to navigate the health obstacles that have presented themselves in my journey. From severe issues with thyroid disease to menopause symptoms to navigating the pain related to arthritis and joint issues, Dr. Walsh has been a reliable resource and a readily available care provider who has helped me maintain and improve my quality of life through access to helpful natural supplements and practical strategies for quality and healthy pain management and treatment options. His helpful and compassionate staff always go the distance to ensure that you get the care you need and they do so with cheerfulness and respect. I honestly don’t know what my quality of life would be like without access to this wonderful group of professionals.”
“Dr Walsh and staff are phenomenal”
What causes tennis elbow?+
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by repetitive strain on the extensor tendons that attach to the outer elbow. Repeated gripping, lifting, or wrist extension — at a keyboard, a job site, or on a court — creates micro-tears in the tendon that accumulate into chronic tendinopathy. Restricted joints in the wrist, elbow, or neck can also shift load onto the tendon and contribute to the problem.
What causes golfer's elbow?+
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is similar but affects the flexor-pronator tendons on the inner elbow. Repetitive wrist flexion, forearm pronation, and gripping — from golf, throwing sports, manual labor, or even heavy computer use — overload the tendon beyond its capacity to repair itself. Like tennis elbow, it often involves restricted mechanics further up the arm chain.
Can a chiropractor help tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?+
Often, yes. We address soft-tissue restrictions in the forearm, restore motion to the elbow and wrist joints, and check the cervical spine for nerve involvement. Tennis and golfer's elbow are also among the conditions Dr. Callaway treats with Shockwave Therapy. Individual results may vary.
What is Shockwave Therapy, and is it right for my elbow?+
Shockwave Therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves to the injured tendon to stimulate the body's own healing response. It's one of the soft-tissue techniques Dr. Callaway uses, and whether it suits your elbow depends on what your exam shows.
How many visits will I need?+
It depends on how long you've had the pain and which structures are involved. After your evaluation, Dr. Callaway gives you a written report of findings with specific recommendations — not endless visits.
How do I get started?+
New patients begin with our Certificate to Health initial chiropractic evaluation — a consultation, chiropractic examination, and written report of findings with recommendations. Our New Patients page has the details, or call our office at (321) 728-1387.
Do I need imaging before I come in?+
Usually not. Most elbow tendinopathy is assessed clinically with a thorough exam and provocative tests. We refer for imaging only when the findings suggest a structural problem — like a tear or fracture — that would change your care plan.
Can the neck cause elbow pain?+
Yes. Nerve roots from the cervical spine supply the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow. A pinched nerve or restricted joint in the neck can refer pain into the elbow and alter forearm muscle tone in a way that adds to tendon strain. That's why we assess the full arm chain, not just the elbow in isolation.
What is the best exercise for tennis elbow?+
Research commonly supports eccentric wrist extension exercises — slowly lowering a light weight with the palm facing down — for lateral epicondylitis, because they gradually build the tendon's load capacity. Ask us at your visit whether they suit your stage of recovery, so you don't overdo it.
How is elbow pain different from carpal tunnel syndrome?+
Carpal tunnel causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers from median nerve compression at the wrist, whereas tennis and golfer's elbow produce pain and weakness at the elbow itself without the classic hand numbness. The two can co-exist, and symptoms from the neck can mimic both — a thorough exam helps us sort out what's actually happening.